13 Best Christmas Side Dishes
Christmas is a time to come together with family and friends, and what’s a holiday feast without delicious side dishes? Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous cook, having a variety of side dishes can elevate your Christmas dinner to a whole new level. From classic comfort foods to fresh and flavorful salads, here are 13 of the best Christmas side dishes that’ll make your holiday table shine.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Start by boiling diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they’re tender. Then, drain the water and add in butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy.
Equipment
– Large pot for boiling potatoes
– Potato masher or fork for mashing potatoes
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
– Saucepan for heating butter and milk
Ingredients
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine is a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. Blanch green beans in boiling water until they’re tender, then sauté them in a pan with sliced almonds, garlic, and lemon juice. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Equipment
– Large pot for boiling green beans
– Cutting board for slicing almonds
– Sauté pan for cooking green beans
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
Ingredients
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that’s sure to please. Cook macaroni according to the package instructions, then mix it with a creamy sauce made from butter, milk, and cheddar cheese. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs.
Equipment
– Large pot for boiling macaroni
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
– Baking dish for assembling mac and cheese
– Oven for baking
Ingredients
– 8 ounces macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Creamy Gravy
Creamy gravy is the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas dinner. Make it by melting butter in a saucepan, then whisking in all-purpose flour to create a roux. Slowly add in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for added flavor.
Equipment
– Saucepan for making gravy
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
– Whisk for whisking gravy
– Gravy boat for serving
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Cranberry Walnut Salad
Cranberry walnut salad is a fresh and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. Mix together cooked cranberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Add in a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of thyme for added flavor.
Equipment
– Saucepan for cooking cranberries
– Cutting board for chopping walnuts
– Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
Ingredients
– 1 cup cooked cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and easy side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. Simply trim and halve the sprouts, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
Equipment
– Cutting board for cutting Brussels sprouts
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
– Baking sheet for roasting sprouts
– Oven for roasting
Ingredients
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a comforting side dish that’s sure to please. Thinly slice potatoes, then layer them in a baking dish with cheese and cream. Bake in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown.
Equipment
– Cutting board for cutting potatoes
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
– Baking dish for assembling potatoes
– Oven for baking
Ingredients
– 2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Garlic butter dinner rolls are a delicious and easy side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. Mix together softened butter and minced garlic, then spread it on dinner rolls and bake in the oven until golden brown.
Equipment
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
– Baking sheet for assembling rolls
– Oven for baking
Ingredients
– 1 package dinner rolls
– 1/4 cup softened butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Maple Glazed Carrots
Maple glazed carrots are a sweet and sticky side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. Mix together maple syrup, butter, and spices, then brush it on carrots and bake in the oven until tender and caramelized.
Equipment
– Cutting board for cutting carrots
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
– Baking sheet for assembling carrots
– Oven for baking
Ingredients
– 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Sweet Potato Mash
Sweet potato mash is a delicious and easy side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. Boil diced sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and milk. Add in a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg for added flavor.
Equipment
– Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
– Potato masher or fork for mashing sweet potatoes
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
– Saucepan for heating butter and milk
Ingredients
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing is a delicious and savory side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. Mix together crumbled cornbread, chopped herbs, and spices, then add in eggs and butter for moisture. Bake in the oven until golden brown.
Equipment
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
– Baking dish for assembling stuffing
– Oven for baking
Ingredients
– 1 cup crumbled cornbread
– 1/4 cup chopped herbs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
Servings
Serves 6-8 people
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli cheese casserole is a creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. Mix together steamed broccoli, shredded cheese, and a creamy sauce, then bake in the oven until golden brown.
Equipment
– Saucepan for steaming broccoli
– Measuring cups and spoons for adding ingredients
– Baking dish for assembling casserole
– Oven for baking
Ingredients
– 1 bunch broccoli, steamed and chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
Servings
Serves 6-8 people